Is this HCG diet for real? You’re supposed to stick to a 500 calorie/day diet and the HCG is supposed to stop your body from going into starvation mode and storing the fat. Really…? Is it safe?
Is this HCG diet for real? You’re supposed to stick to a 500 calorie/day diet and the HCG is supposed to stop your body from going into starvation mode and storing the fat. Really…? Is it safe?
0 Answers
Buckley wrote on :
After reading so many replies and comments from well-meaning people, I now understand why there is so much confusion about HCG. It is very important that one understand the SCIENCE behind HCG in order to fully understand this truly amazing natural substance. IF you compare it to what you know about the modern fad diet (I like to refer to all of them as the “starvation diet”) then you will miss the point when it comes to the HCG Weight Loss Protocol. You cannot compare Apples to Oranges. Period. One of the best websites available covering every aspect of the HCG Weight Loss Protocol is at (URL REMOVED BY MODERATORS). You can also obtain a FREE copy of the manuscript written by the originator and researcher of the HCG Weight Loss Cure, Dr. ATW Simeons. Please read this before passing judgement on a truly beneficial weight management tool that works and is not in the same category as other fad/starvation diets. If you are not one to research and read a lot, I will be happy to personally speak with you either by telephone or by email answering all your questions on HCG. Write me at Buckley@bodysleek.net
Nancy Ortiz wrote on :
Even though the FDA has approved HCG shots for fertility reasons, there is no scientific evidence that shows the HCG Diet can significantly promote weight loss. It is more likely to be due to the reduced caloric intake rather than the HCG shots or drops themselves.
Side effects from HCG shots for weight loss include: blood clots, depression, headaches and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women. Yes even deadly side effects. No peer-reviewed studies have been conducted to determine if HCG drops work or have the same side effects.
I checked the site and there are zero research studies, only testimonials which always puts up a red flag.
Buckley wrote on :
I can easily counter each of your points–supporting each counter with a reference to medical documentation (published just in the last three months–which means–as the topic of HCG draws more attention, so does the number of credulous studies and experiments to put it to the test….you really need to get your hands on this documentation; it’s not mine; its from at least 27 other researchers around the world). But that would accomplish nothing, would it? You have obviously decided HCG is a scam and no amount of evidence is going to change that. So be it. You should at least soften your hard-line stance enough to suggest to others that they due their own due diligence in researching HCG–and to decide for themselves.
Ann Rosenstein wrote on :
Ms. Buckley, the fact that your web address is that of the site you push sends up a red flag. The fact that you are so zealous in your desire to push HCG sends up a red flag. The fact that you are a bit frustrated in not convincing this group sends up a red flag.
ATW Simeons published his theory about HCG in a 1954 Lancet paper (Simeons AT.. The action of chorionic gonadotrophin in the obese. Lancet. 1954 Nov 6;267(6845):946â947). What he published were ideas based on subjective observation and not actual studies. In 1976 JAMA published (Young RL, Fuchs RJ, Woltjen MJ. Chorionic gonadotropin in weight control. A double-blind crossover study. JAMA. 1976 Nov 29;236(22):2495â2497).performed and published the findings of a double-blind, crossover study that examined the effects of HCG on weight loss in obese people who were on very low calorie diets. For those unfamiliar with what a double-blind study is, it is where neither the participant nor the researcher knows who is receiving and who is giving the placebo or the actual test drug. Double blind studies are the most reliable studies known. The results of the study showed both groups lost a significant amount of weight but there was no difference in the weight loss between the placebo treatments and HCG. The study also concluded that there was no difference in fat loss between the group that received the placebo treatments and the group that received HCG. Furthermore, the study showed that HCG does not enhance fat loss and does not preserve muscle mass. The British Journal of Pharmacology (British Journal of Pharmacology 1995; 40:237-243) also concluded that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is an effective treatment for obesity; it doesnât promote weight loss or fat redistribution; it does not promote a feeling of well-being and does not reduce hunger. In 2009, the American Society of Bariatric Physicians issued a position statement which stated: âNumerous clinical trials have shown HCG to be ineffectual in producing weight loss. HCG injections can induce a slight increase in muscle mass in androgen-deficient males. The diet used in the Simeons method provides a lower protein intake than is advisable in view of current knowledge and practice. There are a few medical literature reports favorable to the Simeons method; the overwhelming majority of medical reports are critical of it.â Even if this diet worked for some people, once they stop the HCG diet, they regain the weight back. The key to permanent weight loss is to develop healthy eating and exercise habits, not following a fad diet
The best evidence against the use of HCG is the product itself. Since 1975, the FDA has required that HCG producers and distributors must have a disclaimer on their products. The disclaimer reads: âHCG has not been demonstrated to be an effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or ânormalâ distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.âWhy pay for something that openly claims it cannot do what it claims to do? This is the biggest red flag of all.
This ongoing dialog is the reason I wrote my book Diet Myths Busted: Food Facts Not Nutrition Fiction and created my website http://www.dietfitnessdiva.com. This is why there is so much confusion about diet, weight loss and food. As many participants in this forum have reiterated; the concept is simple; to lose weight you must eat less move more. It takes time, effort, work and self education.
rosie battista wrote on :
A whole foods diet consisting mainly of greens, and pure and “naked” food that is as close to their natural state as possible is the best diet you can be on for health, and natural weight loss. Anything extreme is just that. It’s extreme, dangerous and unsustainable. You want to eat so that you can live and feel better. You can checkout http://www.cookingnakedaftere40.com to get some ideas for pure and “naked” recipes.
Buckley wrote on :
Understanding the science of HCG is vital…please read the Blog post entitled “Is A 500 Calorie Diet Healthy?” on the website located at (URL REMOVED BY MODERATORS)
Ann Rosenstein wrote on :
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. The average, normal weight person needs 1800-2200 calories a day. Anything less than 1200 calories a day runs the risk of not providing the body with an adequate amount of nutrition from the three macronutrient sources which are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Of course if you eat only 500 calories a day you will lose weight, lots of weight. Unfortunately, it will come from lean lean muscle tissue and that tissue is not just from your limbs it is also from your organs like the heart, liver and kidneys. HCG is human chorionic gondatropin which is a hormone made by pregnant women. Hormones are very powerful body regulators and when they are out of balance they can cause major body disruptions. Unqualified people, which would be most of us, should not mess around with hormones. This diet isnât approved by the FDA and doesnât come cheap. A month of syringes with the hormone can run over a thousand dollars and the suppliers are also not regulated so you may pay a lot for just sugar water.
Buckley wrote on :
Your answer is very thoughtful–but taken out of scientific context. Sorry, I must call you down on this. Here’s the facts:
1. You do not lose muscle weight on the HCG eating plan, even with a 500 calorie diet. HCG specifically targets the adipose fat layer which is immune to dieting and exercise. The typical fad, or starvation, diet (without HCG) targets muscle and vital fat because there is no other nutrient intake.
2. Most hormones rely upon supporting interaction of other hormones in which to do their work. And yes, it is easy to disturb the balance between them. HCG is such a “stand-alone” hormone that does not depend upon other hormones, and therefore it does not impact them and they do no impact it.
3. True, no diet, no supplement, no vitamin, no natural herb or spice, no homeopathic products are endorsed by the FDA. Vitamin C from oranges is not approved by the FDA. FDA approval is reserved for pharmaceutical drugs that can have very serious implications for the body.
4. If you are referring to the HCG injections as being pricey–you are correct; they can range from $800 to $2000. That is why you should consider the homeopathic drops which produce identical results and cost under $150 for a high grade, USA made HCG Also read why drops are better in the blog post titled “Shots or Drops?” on the website (URL REMOVED BY MODERATORS)
5. You are very correct in saying many HCG suppliers are selling crap on the internet. You should always look for three things on a label or website when considering a HCG supplier: That is a “FDA-Registered” seal, a “GMP-Certified Seal” and a statment that it is USA-MADE (cheaper versions come from China and other unknown sources) and do not always put the ingredients on their bottles. If you are using sugar water–then you haven’t read the label or done your research.
Nancy Ortiz wrote on :
The reason is that there is the poor law called DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) which allows dietary supplements manufacturers to put their products on the market without proving they are safe and they actually work. It is up to the FDA to prove they are dangerous – the opposite of drugs!!! Food has more restrictions and rules than dietary supplements. The HCG shots are drugs but only approved for fertility but MDs are giving them off-label for weight loss. What a waste of money and health!!
Buckley wrote on :
I continue to urge you to do more research which I can point you in the right direction. You are correct when you state that HCG injections are drugs–in fact, the injections are a pharmaceutical grade of HCG. They are pricey and as with any injection, carries its own risk. However, there are better alternatives now on the market that accomplish the same results as the HCG injections without the cost or the risk. They are called homeopathic sublingual HCG drops, and are taken underneath the tongue. The price is dramatically lower than that of injections and there are no known side effects or risks. I am still puzzled how you would consider it a waste of money and time when there are literally tens of thousands of documented cases of folks losing 15-20 pounds of adipose fat (not muscle or subcantaneous fat or “vital” fat) in 21 days safely and without loss of energy or wasting away effects of the typical starvation diet. Telling these folks that HCG is a scam will only shadow your own credibility.
Nancy Ortiz wrote on :
Homeopathic by definition is diluted to a point of sometimes zero chemical left…just becomes plain water. Any reputable company would put the research on their website.
Nancy Ortiz wrote on :
Any diet that limits you to 500 calories per day – you will lose weight! BUT being so low in calories your basal metabolic rate (energy you burn at rest) will also decrease. Which means you will need less calories to maintain your weight. The dietary supplements and shots of HCG is a scam!!! Try the Volumetrics books!!
http://thefrugaldietitian.com/?p=19483
Buckley wrote on :
So sad that there is so little reliable information in North America about HCG. It has been around since the 1950’s and is as acceptable in Europe as is eating fast food here in North America. A thorough review of the SCIENCE behind HCG will disspell all the false information that I find here. If you would like to properly inform yourself of the science behind HCG, please go to (URL REMOVED BY MODERATORS) and under the “RESOURCES” tab you can order a FREE copy of Dr. ATW Simeons original manuscript he wrote in the 1950’s after conducting thousands of SUCCESSFUL weight loss cases with the obese using HCG. His explanation of the science is very succinct and it will put to rest much of the “mis-information” that exists on this forum.
Nancy Ortiz wrote on :
How can a 500 calorie diet and useless dietary supplements and shots be healthy to the body or pocketbook? Scam 100%!!
Buckley wrote on :
First, HCG should not be taken in the form of injections when homeopathic sublingual drops (under the tongue) will accomplish the same thing. Second….a Scam? I would be happy to introduce you to hundreds of folks who have obtained remarkable results on something you are calling a scam…..hmmmmm….a bit more research may alter your choice of words….I can recommend the scientific resources upon request.
Kathleen Silloway wrote on :
In a word, No. It’s not safe (500 calories a day will put your body into starvation mode, which means your metabolism plummets). As to safety, HCG has not been approved for weight loss. Check this link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hcg-diet/AN02091
It’s annoying, but the classic “fewer calories in, more calories expended” is the way to go.
Marie Brown wrote on :
Thanks for the info. My husband (who is diabetic) needs to lose about 40 lbs and is just sure this is his answer. I am 1/2 his size (5’1″ and 120 lbs) and cannot exist on 500 calories!! I am so not happy with his decision to try this. Even if I stop working out, 500 calories is no where enough to keep me going. I’m 54 years old and have always been active–always run and worked out–but he has been sedentary for the past 10 years!
n s wrote on :
How many pounds does he need to loose? It is very hard loosing weight with diabetes. Best of luck to him, I hope you can talk him into a healthier diet than the 500 one 🙂
teresa tapp wrote on :
@Granitequeen. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I created a movement called Hoe Downs that helps to drop blood sugar 62-85 points and only takes about 3 minutes to do (link to the movement for free: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsURicKB_G8&feature=channel_video_title) and should be done after every meal to help keep blood sugar levels from drastically rising.
I have had a lot of success with those with diabetes (one example: http://www.t-tapp.com/success/aimee/default.html). However, I find that Hoe Downs is VERY effective with men who do not want to exercise because a little goes a LONG way with this move.
Hope this helps!
Buckley wrote on :
Dear Guru, I beg to differ with you. When you speak of the “starvation mode” you are referring to the starvation syndrome which is when the body temporarily cannabilizes itself to compensate for low intake of whole food. HCG has been called the “pregnancy hormone” because it is mother nature’s way of protecting and nourishing the fetus even though a mother is malnourished. In third world countries, women deliver healthy full term babies in spite of limited food. This is the work of HCG; mother nature’s way of saying: “we are going to feed off the adipose fat (famine fat) rather than cannabilize the body because this child must be nourished and this mother must remain strong enough to birth it and protect it”. HCG is Mother Nature’s way of preventing the starvation syndrome.
n s wrote on :
I wouldn’t advise going on any diet under 1200cal/day without doctor supervision. You can seriously malnourish yourself and do harm to your body if you don’t have proper guidance with such caloric restriction.
Buckley wrote on :
I agree if the low calorie diet is WITHOUT HCG (aka–“starvation diet”). If the diet is in conjunction WITH HCG, (aka–consumption of Adipose fat) then it becomes a totally different scientific story. A blog post titled” Is A 500 Calorie Diet Healthy?” posted on the website (URL REMOVED BY MODERATORS) does a very adequate job of explaining the science and why this is the case with HCG.
Susan Olson wrote on :
A friend of mine who is a nurse did this diet. She ended up in the hospital. They said she didn’t get enough protein. At 500 calories a day you should lose weight without the shots. It doesn’t sound healthy to me. I’m not an expert though.
Buckley wrote on :
Fact: you WILL lose weight on a 500 calorie diet without HCG (both drops and shots)…but, you create the “starvation syndrome”. When HCG is used in conjunction with a 500 calorie diet, then there is no “starvation syndrome” because the body is feeding off its adipose fat stores rather than muscle and vital fats as is the case of a typical starvation diet.